JosephP

So I've been driving this car consistently since about early January of this year. It passed smog back in July of last year but I never registered so had to smog again in February of this year only it wouldnt pass 2nd time around because of a check engine light...car just sat for several months after passing smog first time...

So thats the backstory....sooo here's the symptoms..

Car idles farely high when i first start...maybe around 1200-2000 RPMs
Then drops down to about 900-1000 if I let it warm up for a few minutes in park.
The car will start up fine and drive for a while but its like once it warms up it just dies...the RPM gauge jumps rapidly and makes a bit of a clicking noise as it jumps. That's when I know she's gonna die out on me soon. Also the check engine light will flicker on whenever the car feels like its dying.
Check engine light stays on after the car dies.
Once the car dies I can immediately get it to start up again a few times, drive it for a brief while, until eventually it dies out all together and wont start.
If I let it sit for like half an hour to an hour it'll start up and drive again.
Pulled CEL code 43 today, telling me its a fuel problem of some kind.

Given the symptoms, can anybody give me an idea of where to start looking as I know the error code 43 can be a number of things.

All input and maybe's are greatly appreciated.

Former User

Was a tailpipe test done? If so, post the data sheet.

Last ignition system tune up?

Last time fuel filter was replaced?

Did you check for a crack in the exhaust manifold, especially near the O2 sensor?

delsolintegra

I had this same problem in a 93 del sol si and it turned out to be the small hairline crack in the exhaust manifold just behind the 02 sensor location which is hard to see. A lot of people get this problem and think a new 02 sensor will fix it. They spend the money and get frustrated when it doesn't fix it. I went with a cheap ebay header set up (about $60 doing the labor myself). My state doesn't do smog checks. Maybe your state won't allow a header? It accepts an o2 sensor so maybe it's not a problem. Good luck.

JosephP

I replaced the fuel filter myself a few months back...
Dont know how long its been on the ignition system tune up.
I got an illegal smog so Im not sure if a tailpipe test is part of that but Im sure the numbers are fudged.

Since you guys both mentioned the exhaust manifold, I'll definitely look in that...if you have any info on fixing that if that IS the problem such as diagrams or anything like that please dont hesitate to share. Thanks so much for the responses guys...any other ideas in the meantime?

probably gonna go to a mechanic that has some good yelp reviews just down the street, but what should I say to him that I need? Never been to a professional mechanic before.

Former User

Are you unable to do this^ yourself?

Are you unable to check for a crack in the manifold?

Will your mechanic require our advice? If so, find another one.

JosephP

Thanks for being so cool ^^

Former User

Your mechanic needs diagrams from us to know how to replace a manifold?

Do a Google search to find the manual for your car.

Are you planning to do any of the work?

JosephP

The diagram would have been for me actually...as Im sure the mechanic doesnt need any advice from me...maybe I could have specified that the diagram would be for me.
Anyway, exhaust manifold is readily visible right when you pop the hood...keep in mind I dont know much about cars so it sounded more technical to me than it should have...removed the heat shield and inspected it, there's no cracks of any kind. Replaced the 02 sensor today but it didnt fix my problem...

The car started up fine and ran well before it warmed up, at which point it proceeded to do everything I mentioned above. I was able to take a video of it this time I can post it if it helps. The car kind of "sputters" and a noise can clearly be heard coming from where the air filter is....not sure if the air filter could be the cause or the result of something with the car but I'll try and get the video uploaded so you guys can get a better idea. thanks

JosephP

If this helps at all

JosephP

Just revisiting this for anyone having this trouble, it ended up being my computer. Replaced the computer and it stopped and the car has run for the past 2 years no problem since!